Former Republican County Chair Indicted

Former Republic County Chair Indicted

(Phoenix, AZ—June 12, 2003) Attorney General Terry Goddard announced today the indictment of former Maricopa County Republican Committee (MCRC) chairperson Michelle Adams on counts of theft, forgery and tampering with a public record.

In January of 2002, while serving as chair of the MCRC, Adams wrote a check to herself on the MCRC account for $2,862.50, making a notation in the campaign finance report that it was reimbursement for a golf tournament down payment. During a routine audit of the campaign finance reports by the County Recorder's office, that entry was discovered. When questioned about the payment, Adams claimed that she had made a down payment for a golf tournament on behalf of the Maricopa County Republican Committee. She stated that she didn't have the MCRC checkbook with her that day and used personal funds for the down payment and the check to her was reimbursement for that.

Personnel from the County Recorder's office requested documentation to verify the transaction and Adams produced a receipt from the Raven Golf Club. The State alleges that the invoice was a forgery. The Raven had no record of ever receiving a deposit for a golf tournament from Michelle Adams or the MCRC.

"In addition to being a crime, her actions were a betrayal of the trust of those who elected her," said Goddard.

The counts of theft and forgery are Class 4 felonies and tampering with a public record is a Class 6 felony. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Rueter.